RITUALS
Ostara Ritual
By Julie Peters

Perform an Ostara Ritual
You’ll need:

A bowl of clean water

A dry towel

A candle

A pen and paper or a journal

Sit facing the east, where the sun rises. Close your eyes and take some deep breaths, imagining a circle of protection around yourself. Invite in energies that are healing and loving, and filter out anything that is not. Take a moment to acknowledge the land you are on, your particular place in the world, the air you are breathing, the earth beneath you, and your relationship with this place.

When you are ready, open your eyes and dip your hands into the bowl of water. Gently cleanse your hands, imagining that any dirt and grime from the last year, any old energies, any unhelpful patterns, are simply sliding off your hands into the water. Dry your hands with the towel.

Light your candle, imagining it as spring fire lighting a spark in your heart. Gaze at the candle’s flame as you consider your intentions, what you have been hoping for and working toward since the winter solstice. There may be new hopes and wishes that you are considering now as well.

When you are ready, write down your goals and intentions. Then write down three concrete steps you can take to move a little closer to these goals, as well as timelines for completing these tasks. Make sure these goals are realistic and actionable—things you’ll be able to check off a list by a certain date—and give yourself enough time to do them, taking into account whatever else is going on in your life. Make a promise to yourself, the candle, and the dawn that you will take these steps toward your goals.

When this feels complete for you, thank the light, the water, the dawn, the land, the earth, yourself, and anything else that you’d like to offer gratitude to. Blow out the candle.

Enjoy watching the sunrise as long as you’d like. Put the paper somewhere you’re likely to see it often to remind you of your promises to yourself.